Menopause is when your periods stop naturally and your body transitions out of its reproductive years. Perimenopause is the lead‑up to this, when hormones rise and fall and symptoms like hot flushes, sleep changes, brain fog, mood shifts and vaginal dryness can appear.
Menopause is confirmed after 12 months without a period. Dr Ritu can help you ease the associated symptoms while looking after your bone, heart and brain health over the long term.
As you move through perimenopause into menopause, hormone levels fluctuate and gradually decline, which can affect your body, mood and daily comfort in different ways. Some people notice only a few mild changes, while others experience symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life.
Common symptoms can include:
There are many ways to manage menopause, and the right approach depends on your symptoms and your current health. Dr Ritu will work with you to build a plan that feels safe, manageable and aligned with your lifestyle and goals.
Simple changes can sometimes make a noticeable difference in how you feel. These may include regular exercise, good sleep habits, stress management, and avoiding personal triggers for hot flushes, such as hot drinks, spicy foods or warm environments. Some women also benefit from dressing in layers, using a fan, or trying relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or meditation.
Menopausal hormone therapy, which replaces some of the hormones your body produces less of after menopause, is often considered the most effective treatment for hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness for many women. It comes in different forms, such as tablets, patches, gels or creams, and can be tailored to your individual risk profile and symptoms.
If hormone therapy is not suitable for you, or you prefer not to use it, there are non-hormonal options that may help. These include certain antidepressants, medicines that target hot flushes and night sweats, and other treatments that can improve mood, sleep or vaginal symptoms.
For vaginal dryness, discomfort or pain with sex, local treatments such as vaginal oestrogen creams, tablets, rings or moisturisers can be very effective. These work mainly in the vagina and bladder area and may be used alone or alongside other treatments.
Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help with mood changes, anxiety, sleep problems and even the impact of hot flushes and night sweats. Hypnosis and counselling may also be helpful for some women.
Some women explore herbal remedies, supplements or over-the-counter products for symptom relief, although evidence for their effectiveness varies. Dr Ritu can advise what is likely to be safe and worthwhile, and what may interact with other medications or conditions.
